What's hot in e-commerce and home deliveries for 2026

Jan. 14, 2026 - PRLog -- The home delivery expert Parcelhero has revealed its list of the key trends that online sellers and their delivery partners should focus on this year.

Parcelhero's Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: 'In 2026, there are some significant gains to be made, especially around tech improvements. In fact, Parcelhero will be unveiling its own AI-powered tracking and messaging services this year for individuals and growing businesses.

4 Content creation: 'The clock has stopped ticking down for TikTok after its owner, China's ByteDance, announced it is creating a new joint venture for the app in the United States. With its future now secured in the West, UK sellers can safely invest in their TikTok sales plans. TikTok Shop in the UK saw massive growth in 2025, with Black Friday breaking records (up 50% year-on-year), driven by huge increases in sellers (a 200% jump in new small businesses) and shopper engagement (131% shopper growth).'

3 Locker growth won't hurt: 'The UK parcel locker market has grown rapidly, with 21m adults using lockers for parcels in the past year. Interest is rising, as 20% of online shoppers who haven't used them plan to try. InPost and Retail Economics report that 115m parcels were handled by lockers, accounting for 7% of all deliveries and 12% of returns.'

2 Branded post-sales messaging: 'Increasing numbers of businesses are realising that deliveries and delivery messaging in particular are now a sales tool rather than a pain point. Businesses can use their own branded messaging to engage with their customers when responding to "where's my parcel" messages. They can also use it to enhance their reputation with instant, accurate delivery details. It's not only major brands that are able to do this. For example, Parcelhero is set to announce a branded post-sales messaging service option for its business customers of all sizes this spring.'

1 No gAIn without AI: 'Forget delivery drones and droids, a new joint report from global law firm Eversheds Sutherland and Retail Economics forecasts a surge in AI investment over the next five years that will reshape the UK retail landscape. The report found that three-quarters (74.8%) of retailers plan to ramp up their AI investments. Larger organisations (with turnover exceeding £500m) and medium-sized firms (£100m–£500m) are leading the way in AI investments. Again, Parcelhero is putting its money where its mouth is. It is set to launch its new, class-leading AI-based live tracking feature in the next few weeks.

'For more information about shopping trends and the latest retail technology developments, read Parcelhero's report 'What's in Store for Stores' at https://www.parcelhero.com/research/shop-of-the-future